Overview

The BA, with its broad, flexible requirements, is ideal for students who want to combine computer science with another discipline, such as mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, government, psychology, linguistics, or philosophy.

Program Requirements and Sequence

In addition to completing the degree requirements for students of Georgetown College, students majoring in computer science must also complete the following requirements:

First Year

• Computer Science I and II (COSC-071, 072)
• Mathematical Methods for Computer Science (COSC-127)
• Calculus I (MATH-035)

Second Year

• Data Structures (COSC-173)
• Advanced Programming (COSC-175)
• One additional math elective from Calculus II (MATH-036), Probability and Statistics (MATH-040), Multivariable Calculus (MATH-137), Linear Algebra (MATH-150), Abstract Algebra (MATH-203), Number Theory (MATH-211), Numerical Analysis (MATH-212), Combinatorics (MATH-223), Graph Theory (MATH-224), Optimization (MATH-225), Mathematical Statistics I (MATH-233), Mathematical Statistics II (MATH-234), and Symbolic Logic (PHIL-378)

Third and Fourth Years

• One of the following:
  • Computer Hardware Fundamentals (COSC-250)
  • Programming Languages (COSC-272)
  • Algorithms (COSC-330)
• Four electives, up to two of which can be external electives from an approved list. Computer science electives must be COSC courses numbered 100 and higher, although students may use COSC-010 as an elective provided they take it before COSC-071
• Optional: Senior Thesis

The senior thesis consists of taking two semesters of Senior Thesis Seminar (COSC-300), attending department colloquia while enrolled in COSC-300, producing a thesis proposal, writing a substantial senior thesis, and presenting the thesis publicly. Students interested in this option must apply to individual faculty members. If accepted, the faculty member serves as thesis advisor, determines the acceptability of the thesis proposal, and oversees the project. Once completed, the student presents the thesis to the faculty for approval. If approved, the thesis is published as a technical report. Senior Thesis Independent Study (COSC-301) is for directed research in support of the thesis project and may substitute for an elective.